Californians used 21 percent less water in June than they did in 2013. That wasn’t as much savings as last month or even last year, but state water regulators say they expected conservation to dip. It’s the first month after statewide mandates were eased. Local water agencies now set conservation standards based on supply. Agencies […]
Freed from stringent statewide drought controls, Californians have begun using more water. Urban consumption grew by 8 percent in June compared to a year earlier, according to figures released Tuesday by the State Water Resources Control Board. June was the first month in which California was operating under significantly relaxed drought regulations, and state regulators said […]
California officials Tuesday released a detailed environmental blueprint for Gov. Jerry Brown’s controversial Delta tunnels project, saying the $15.5 billion plan “minimizes potential effects” on endangered fish species whose populations have dwindled following decades of water pumping. The Department of Water Resources unveiled its so-called “biological assessment” for the proposed tunnels, which are designed to re-engineer […]
As Philadelphia baked and wildfires roared like the apocalypse in California, Gov. Jerry Brown last week called on the nation to remember the impact this presidential election could have on climate change. “What America needs today are not deniers, but leaders. Not division, but common purpose. Not bombast, but bold action,” Brown told the Democratic […]
A half century after building the largest water-delivery system in America, California officials say they now realize they put their giant straws to capture Delta water in the wrong place. Last week, state and federal water project operators opened the case to win permission for a fix — construction of three diversion points near Sacramento tied […]
It might not be what you expect to hear about California agriculture in the throes of drought: After four years of historic water shortages, farm earnings in the state increased 16 percent, and total employment increased 5 percent. Yet those are real numbers gathered by federal agencies that track economic data. Average wages for farm employees also […]
Californians Conserve Less Water Under New Rules
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Capital Public Radio (Sacramento)by Amy QuintonCalifornians used 21 percent less water in June than they did in 2013. That wasn’t as much savings as last month or even last year, but state water regulators say they expected conservation to dip. It’s the first month after statewide mandates were eased. Local water agencies now set conservation standards based on supply. Agencies […]
Californians Using More Water as Drought Controls Ease
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Sacramento Beeby Dale Kasler and Phillip ReeseFreed from stringent statewide drought controls, Californians have begun using more water. Urban consumption grew by 8 percent in June compared to a year earlier, according to figures released Tuesday by the State Water Resources Control Board. June was the first month in which California was operating under significantly relaxed drought regulations, and state regulators said […]
California Unveils Environmental Blueprint for Delta Tunnels
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Sacramento Beeby Dale KaslerCalifornia officials Tuesday released a detailed environmental blueprint for Gov. Jerry Brown’s controversial Delta tunnels project, saying the $15.5 billion plan “minimizes potential effects” on endangered fish species whose populations have dwindled following decades of water pumping. The Department of Water Resources unveiled its so-called “biological assessment” for the proposed tunnels, which are designed to re-engineer […]
OPINION: Can California Tune up its Climate Strategy?
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Fresno BeeAs Philadelphia baked and wildfires roared like the apocalypse in California, Gov. Jerry Brown last week called on the nation to remember the impact this presidential election could have on climate change. “What America needs today are not deniers, but leaders. Not division, but common purpose. Not bombast, but bold action,” Brown told the Democratic […]
Delta Tunnels Plan Rekindles Water Disputes
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /San Jose Mercury Newsby Denis CuffA half century after building the largest water-delivery system in America, California officials say they now realize they put their giant straws to capture Delta water in the wrong place. Last week, state and federal water project operators opened the case to win permission for a fix — construction of three diversion points near Sacramento tied […]
BLOG: Despite Drought, California Farming Prospered
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Water Deeply (New York) by Matt WeiserIt might not be what you expect to hear about California agriculture in the throes of drought: After four years of historic water shortages, farm earnings in the state increased 16 percent, and total employment increased 5 percent. Yet those are real numbers gathered by federal agencies that track economic data. Average wages for farm employees also […]